Israeli Deputy Knesset Speaker Accuses MK Naama Lazimi of Being Worse Than Hamas

On Thursday, Nissim Vaturi, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset, harshly criticized MK Naama Lazimi during a radio interview on Kol Barama. Vaturi claimed Lazimi was "worse than Hamas" and said she could run for Hamas leadership in Gaza, asserting there was no difference between her and the terrorist group. He argued that those harming Israel from within are more dangerous than external enemies.

The interviewer attempted to moderate the conversation, stating that while he disagreed with Lazimi's views, comparing her to Hamas was excessive. Vaturi insisted that internal threats are indeed more severe. In response, Lazimi accused the government, led by Netanyahu, of targeting her politically and inciting violence against her and the liberal camp. She condemned the government as a "bankrupt mafia" using incitement and violence against those the Israeli public wants to replace them. Lazimi also referenced previous threats, including a fellow Knesset member calling to shoot her in the legs.

This is not the first time Lazimi has faced such attacks. In June, during a debate on gender segregation in academia, MK Yitzhak Pindrus from Degel HaTorah suggested starting with Lazimi when discussing shooting protesters in the legs. Lazimi angrily condemned the incitement and called for an end to such rhetoric, emphasizing her right to oppose policies and fight for her beliefs as a mother and committee member.

The escalating verbal attacks highlight deep political tensions within the Knesset, with Lazimi positioning herself as a target of government-backed intimidation and Vaturi framing her as a severe internal threat to Israel's security and democracy.